Todd A. Kruse

Todd A. Kruse

AGE: 51CHILDREN: Two

Why do you want to be a member of the ISD 199 School Board?
To utilize my college teaching knowledge and experience working overseas to explore collaboration opportunities for the school district to enhance student learning. Our nation’s K-12 culture of “teaching to the test” needs a revolution that results in “self-directed learning” to harness students’ personal interests guided by teachers.

What experience do you bring to this position? How have your experiences prepared you to fulfill the responsibilities of a school board member?
Experience: professional lobbyist, board of directors role at several non-profit groups, PSEO student teaching at Inver Hills Community College, and professional research work for a wide range of clients. My personal and professional experiences have taught me the importance of fiduciary responsibility and business ethics as well as the necessity of continuous improvement. Thus, I would bring critical thinking skills and an extensive contact network to the board.

What are the most important issues concerning the Inver Grove Heights School District and how would you address them?

Low percentage of parental involvement. I would look to the sports club model of parental engagement to drive ideas for getting more parents involved in PTSA.

Failure of Minneapolis and St. Paul school districts. Vast sums of tax dollars are sent to these failing school districts to the detriment of District 199. I would work with a coalition to lobby for revision of the very opaque and antiquated state funding formula.

Global economic and technology trends. Robots are quickly replacing jobs in the Midwest so we need to partner with local technology companies to better prepare students and their (potentially) laid off parents via adult education for such a future.